Some cars have stories, and then there’s this 1971 Datsun 240Z. Bought way back in 1975, it stuck with one family for 51 years before finally popping up on Bring a Trailer. It’s finished in Universal Blue over black vinyl, rocking the original-style 2.4-liter inline-six and a four-speed manual. The odometer? Just 8,000 miles showing, which is wild for a car this age.
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What It’s Worth Right Now
Vintage Japanese sports cars are hotter than ever, and the 1970-1973 Datsun 240Z is riding that wave. According to Classic.com, the average sale price is about $34,500, with recent sales swinging from a bargain-bin $6,666 all the way up to a jaw-dropping $154,000. It all comes down to originality, mileage, and condition.
So where does this car fit in? The odometer says 8,000, but the seller admits it’s rolled over once—so you’re actually looking at about 108,000 miles. Still, that half-century of single-family ownership and a fresh cosmetic makeover give it plenty of appeal, no matter what the numbers say.
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Scan the listings, and you’ll see clean or restored 240Zs usually land between $30,000 and $60,000. The unicorns—super original or ultra-low-mileage cars—can go way higher. With bidding still underway, this one could easily climb before the hammer drops.
Condition and Details
This Z rolled out of the factory in Universal Blue (paint code 903) and got a fresh coat of the same shade during its 2021 facelift. Outside, you get chrome bumpers with rubber guards, Z badges on the C-pillars, a blacked-out rear taillight panel, and period-correct 14-inch aluminum wheels wearing 195/75 Gillette Bear tires.
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Step inside and you’ll find the cabin got its own refresh in 2021, with reupholstered black vinyl bucket seats, ventilation grommets, and diamond-stitched trim behind the seats. There’s a woodgrain steering wheel, a wooden shift knob, an electric rear window defogger, and a Pioneer cassette stereo for that perfect retro vibe.
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Under the hood sits the original-style 2.4-liter inline-six with dual side-draft carbs, good for 151 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual, and stopping is handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
| Make | Datsun |
| Model | 240Z (S30) |
| Year | 1971 |
| Mileage | 8,000 shown (approximately 108,000 actual miles) |
| Engine | 2.4-liter inline-six |
| Power | 151 horsepower / 146 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Four-speed manual |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Exterior Color | Universal Blue (903) |
| Interior Color | Black vinyl |
| Ownership | Owned by the seller since 1975 (51 years) |
| Location | Clemson, South Carolina |
Interested in this 1971 Datsun 240Z? View the listing here.
What Makes the 1971 Datsun 240Z Unique
The Datsun 240Z didn’t just show up—it rewrote the rulebook for affordable sports cars in America. With its sharp looks, independent suspension, smooth inline-six, and rear-wheel drive, the Z quickly became a Japanese performance icon. Over fifty years later, early S30s are still among the most coveted classics from Japan.
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This example adds something that many restored cars cannot offer: a remarkably long ownership history. Staying with the same owner for 51 years is uncommon for any collector car, and it suggests a lifetime of continuous care rather than frequent resale. Combined with the recent cosmetic refurbishment and largely period-correct presentation, it makes for a compelling auction listing.
Final Thoughts
This 1971 Datsun 240Z ticks all the right boxes: early build, manual gearbox, original 2.4-liter inline-six, and a long-term owner with the paperwork to prove it. Sure, the odometer isn’t the full story, but the history is all there, and the recent refresh keeps its classic soul intact.
With the auction still live, it’ll be fun to watch where this 240Z ends up. Vintage Japanese classics are having a moment, and with this car’s backstory, don’t be surprised if it draws plenty of eyes before the final gavel.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog